CSOs to commence Chaponda’s contempt of court case

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have said they lodge a contempt of court case against Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Minister George Chaponda on Tuesday January 31.

Justice John Chirwa granted the injunction to the CSO on January 12 restraining Chaponda from executing his duties until completion of a probe into the purchase of maize from Zambia and was assigned the contempt of court matter.

But  the embattled Agriculture Minister sneaked out of the country for  trip to Germany for a conference and sneaked back last Wednesday.

Lawyer for the CSOs, Wesley Mwafulirwa said they will file the contempt of court case on Tuesday as the day Justice Chirwa will be back in Mzuzu  from Blantyre to determine on whether to lift the court order on Chaponda or not.

He said even if the court decides to lift Chaponda’s injunction, Chaponda would still answer the contempt charge.

The CSOs want Chaponda arrested allegedly for travelling to Germany for a conference in violation of an injunction obtained against him.